We have to think Betty White is smiling in heaven.

The Betty White Challenge earlier this week was a huge success all over the United States, including in the central Upper Peninsula.

For those who missed it, the challenge was posted on social media. The idea was to honor beloved actress White, a longtime supporter of animal causes.

White died on Dec. 31, 17 days before her 100th birthday. In her memory, the challenge was issued for people to donate $5 or more to a local animal shelter or other charity that supports pets.

The results at several U.P. shelters were impressive.

The Copper Country Humane Society in Houghton reported on its Facebook page it received more than $8,000.

And in Marquette County, the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter received more than $10,000. On its Facebook page, UPAWS wrote: “These are MUCH-NEEDED donations! … THANK YOU as these funds are, as always, going to good use, going to help the animals! We are grateful beyond words!”

By all accounts, Betty White was a wonderful person who did many great things for charity. Her passing was sad, but the good done in her memory was a fabulous thing.

We hope the Betty White Challenge becomes an annual effort all around America. Honoring a lovely person with this kind of charity idea is an awesome way to keep Betty’s kindness alive for many years to come.